planned giving toolkit - california community …...planned giving toolkit * leading a nonprofit...
TRANSCRIPT
How to leverage billions of dollars in Los Angeles County
it’s easier than you think
*
$
Secure your future
So much simpler than you might have imagined
Any organization can do it
Get started quickly
plannedgiving toolkit*
Leading a nonprofit organization is never easy, especially
these days. Leaders are faced with a world where doing
more with less is an everyday occurrence. This Toolkit
helps nonprofits leverage an overlooked opportunity:
planned giving. Planned gifts are helpful in two ways:
they can help sustain your organization with guaranteed
revenue streams, and provide peace of mind for all
concerned. Planned gifts are a win-win: donors create a
lasting legacy and so do the organizations they support.
The Toolkit you are holding in your hands provides the
steps and turn-key templates you need to effectively,
efficiently and confidently start a planned giving program.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is. Read
on and begin today.
During the next eight years, Los Angeles County residents will transfer almost $114 billion in
assets between generations. By 2060, that figure is projected to reach $1.4 trillion. That means
Angelenos will be responsible for the dispersal of more assets than many other major metropolitan
areas. People don’t have to be billionaires to make a planned gift; there are options for people
with only a few personal assets. The result is philanthropic potential that exceeds any period in
the region’s history. For example, just $5 billion would fund all of the operating expenses for
more than 75 percent of L.A.’s active nonprofits for the next 10 years.
Picture it. Just ONE planned gift could:
• Allowanall-volunteerorganization tohireonefull-timestaffmember
• Fundthepurchaseofabuilding or office
• Providearevenuecushionduring hard economic times
• Feedmorefamilies,fundmore arts programs, save more animals, shelter more homeless people… or make your mission a reality in your community
WHY NOW? $5 BILLION IS WHY
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Transfer of Wealth Opportunity in Los Angeles
0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400
2010-2060 (in billions)
2010-2020 (in billions)
5%= $5 BILLION or 100% of the operating expenses of 75% of L.A.’s active nonprofits for 10 years
Overall Transfer of Wealth from 2010-2020 ($113.53 BILLION TOTAL)
It’s not worth my time…Actually, billions of dollars will change hands among Angelenos over the next several years. Just a small piece of that can sustain your organization.
“ ”
WHAT IS PLANNed GIvING, ANYWAY?
WHY PLAN? BeCAUSe STUFF HAPPeNS
Planned giving is the transfer of assets (e.g., real estate, stock or life insurance) to a designated
nonprofitorganizationduringalifetimeoruponsomeone’spassing.Usuallythishappensviaa
will or other written means. The giving is “planned” because often these assets are not liquid,
have tax consequences or can be used to simultaneously generate income for donors.
People in a variety of circumstances and life stages can benefit from a planned gift. Planned
gifts are really just preparing for or reacting to life’s events: a windfall from the sale of a
business; the need to generate a revenue stream for elderly parents; the desire to counter an
increase in one’s tax liability; the birth of a child or grandchild; the establishment of a trust;
annual planning; or the acquisition of new assets.
People have many opportunities to review their future giving plans, so it is never too soon to
plant the seed for planned giving. Careful estate planning can also help people live a legacy
as well as leave a legacy.
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PLANNed GIvING BASICS
Why is it important?
Gives your donors a unique way of supportingyourorganization
Provides potential tax income benefits for your donors
Takes advantage of current market trends
What is it?
Gifts of assets that require more planning
Gifts of assets that generate income for donors
Gifts created in perpetuity
We don’t know rich people…You don’t need to. Planned gifts are appropriate for donors of all means.
“ ”
THe TOOLS YOU Need TO GeT STARTed
Diversification of funding sources is essential as foundation and government money grows
unreliable and requires more administrative time and support. Individual giving, then, is
moreimportantthanever—andplannedgivingisanessentialcomponenttolong-term
individual giving success. Individual donors rarely require the endless reporting and evaluation
requirements of institutional funders. Start with the people you know…who know you best.
Oneortwoplannedgiftscanmakeadifferencetomanyorganizations.
The good news is that it doesn’t take any money to start a program. Time is money, you say?
The materials contained in the back of this Toolkit will save you time, so that you can spend
it on building and deepening your relationships with donors. They will help you:
• Engageyourboardofdirectors
• Deepenrelationshipswithdonorsandmakethe“ask”easy
• Gaintheconfidenceandlanguageyouneedtostartconversationswithdonors and follow through
• Setupplannedgivinginformationforwebsites,annualreports,etc.
• Customizeabrochurethatyoucanhanddirectlytodonors
ConsultthecustomizabletemplatesinthebackofthisToolkitforallthedetailsyouneed
to get started.
Savings AccountUndeveloped Land
LIFe INSURANCe POLICY
ReAL eSTATeStock Certificates
BONdS
Residence
CASHMONeY MARkeT ACCOUNTS
Checking Account
Cds
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YOU dON’T HAve TO Be AN eXPeRT, JUST kNOW ONe
Don’t be intimidated by the legal and financial issues associated with different types of
planned gifts. You don’t have to be an expert, you just need to know one. There are resources
forbothyourorganizationandyourdonorthatofferexperienceinsettingupdifferenttypes
of planned gifts.
And these resources need not cost money. Some community foundations have established
turn-keyprogramsthatcostnothingupfront.Onlyasmallfeeistakenatthetimethatthe
assetisdistributedtoyourorganization.Likewise,therearemanylawyerswhowilldothis
workprobonofornonprofitorganizations.
Program a couple of phone numbers into your cell phone, and you’ve done all you need to do.
The experts will take it from there.
Community Foundation
Community foundations are public charities that serve as nonprofit resources for local
communities to encourage and benefit from philanthropy. Many community foundations can
assist small nonprofits with the administration of different types of planned gifts, including
charitable gift annuities and retained life estates. Generally, there are no fees associated with
thestart-upordisbursementofthefund.Thereis,however,asmallfee(usually1-2percent
ofassets)formanagingthefund.Thepartnershipbetweenthenonprofitorganizationandthe
community foundation begins at the moment a planned gift is being considered.
volunteer Professional
Anotheroptionisidentifyinganattorneywillingtodonatetimeonanas-neededandprobono
basis.Manylawyershavestandardizedlanguagethatcanbeprovidedtodonorsforwriting
plannedgiftsintowillsandtrusts.Often,organizationscancallontheirboardmembersforthis
expresspurpose.Consideraddinganestate-planningattorneytoyourboardroster.Theboard
member’s time could be counted toward his or her annual financial contribution.
Partneringorganizationshavevaryinggiftacceptancepolicies.Pleaseconsultwithyourpartners
about their parameters before engaging in a planned gift. For information about community
foundations and other resources, please refer to the list provided in the back of the Toolkit.
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Sample Community Foundation Partnership
YOUR ORGANIzATION
Identifies and qualifies donor
Informs donor
Explores donor’s best planned giving solution
It’s too complicated…The solution is to partner with experts and pro bono professionals who can set up and administer planned gifts for your organization.
“ ”
1. Introductions 2. Gift Acceptance 3. Gift Management
Consults with you and donor Finalizesgiftagreement
If applicable, invests proceeds from asset sale
Evaluates your donor’s goals
Ensures due diligence is performed, such as appraisals, title transfers, necessary inspections and other
issues involving gift
Makes annual distributions fromgifttoyourorganization
and other beneficiaries
Prepares gift proposal Liquidates assets depending on gift type, provides gift acknowledgement record
Provides ongoing philanthropic consultation to you
and your donor (if requested)
Nocosttoorganization Nocosttoorganization Approximately1-2%ofassets
COMMUNITY FOUNdATION
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SIX eASY STePS TO CReATING A LeGACY SOCIeTY
leg·a·cy so·ci·e·ty[leg-uh-see][suh-sahy-i-tee],noun.Animportantkeytoplannedgiving.
A legacy society is a group of individuals who convey their values by creating a future gift to
yourorganization.Itcostsnothingtoestablish,deepensexistingrelationships,providesameans
by which you can honor donors, and creates a sense of belonging for donor members. Best of all,
it focuses the conversation on being an active donor; philanthropic giving that begins now and
makesmeaningfullong-termcontributions.
4. Integrate Integrate information about the new legacy society into all your materials using the templates. Share information with members about planned giving options that they may not even know exist.
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2. Honordetermine what benefits you can offer legacy society members now and where you can post names, host an annual luncheon, etc.
3. Recruit Make donors who have already pledged a planned gift founding members; use the templates to reach out to donors with whom you have existing relationships.
1. Creating a legacy society is as easy as saying you have one. You can give it a specific name or not. No legal documents needed.
Create
In short, a legacy society is a deferred form of individual giving. And if you think
about it that way, it won’t be so daunting. There is no legal paperwork and no
cost associated with its creation or management. If you say you have one, then
you do. If you have an individual giving program in place, a legacy society builds
on and deepens your existing relationships.
It’s too expensive…Starting a legacy society costs absolutely nothing. Say you have one and you’re more than halfway there.
“ ”
6. WorkWork with a community foundation or other partner to set up specific gifts: life income gifts such as charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trust or a retained life estate.
5. Identifyestablish a board member as the chairperson or champion of the legacy society to build awareness among donors and ensure board support.
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Your planned giving partner will know all the information on these pages, so you don’t have to.
However, if you are an overachiever who would like a better understanding of planned giving
options, here are four types of gifts you can offer with the support of planned giving partners.
For the rest of you, stop reading and turn the page.
Charitable Gift Annuity
Ideal for people who want to give an asset to charity and receive a fixed income over the rest
of their lives. After the donor makes the initial gift, the administrator, such as a community
foundation or large nonprofit, makes fixed payments to
the donor (or a designated beneficiary) for life. After the
donor(s) passes away, the designated charity such as
your nonprofit is the beneficiary of the remainder of the
annuity.
Charitable Remainder Trust
Another option for people who want to give an
asset to charity and receive income over the rest of
their lives, or a term of years. After the donor makes the initial gift, the charity makes payments
to the donor (or designated beneficiary) for life or the set period, based on a percentage of the
asset’s value. After the donor(s) passes away, the designated charity such as your nonprofit is the
beneficiary of the remainder of the trust.
Retained Life estate
An option for people who own a home and intend to
remain living there. Donor gifts property in return for
animmediatetaxdeduction.Upondonor(s)’passing,
proceeds from sale of house are received by the
designated charity such as your nonprofit.
Bequest
Gift of any amount through a will, trust, life insurance policy
or IRA. Suchgiftsoftenexistside-by-sidewithbequeststo
heirsorotherorganizations.
dON’T WORRY, THIS WON’T Be ON THe TeST
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Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Remainder Trust
$$$PARTNeR
dONOR
donor receives income stream
You receive remainder
Retained Life estate
PARTNeR
dONOR
donor lives in property until passing
Upon passing, you receive funds from property sale
Bequest
Will or Trust
HeIRS
PARTNeR/ eSTATe
dONOR
NONPROFIT
California Community Foundation does not provide legal or tax advice. All donors and advisors should consult their tax advisors to properly determine the tax consequences of making a charitable gift.
GIFTS AT A GLANCe
Gift Type
Charitable Gift Annuities
Charitable Remainder Trust
Bequest
Retained Life estate
Basic description
A gift of cash or stock in return for fixed payments to the donor for life
Upon passing, remainder is distributed to the charity
A gift of cash, stock, real estate or complex assets in return for variable payments (a % of gift)
Upon passing, remainder is distributed to the charity
Donor can make additional contributions over time
Gift of any amount through a will, trust, life insurance policy or IRA
A gift of house and/or property
Benefits to donors
Security of a fixed income for life
Knowledge it is guaranteed by organization
Income tax charitable deduction in year of gift
Annual income that can adjust over time; act as hedge against inflation
May avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated assets
Income tax charitable deduction in year of gift
Estate tax benefits
Income tax charitable deduction in year of gift
Donor can continue to live in or use property
Candidates for this Option
Older donors who want to help a charity, have liquid assets (such as stocks, CDs, savings accounts)
Middle-aged donors who want to provide income for their parents or others
Donors of any age, but generally middle-aged
Good for complex or appreciated assets
Older donors who own their own homes (including vacation homes)
Donors of any age or income level
I’m not an expert…You don’t have to be. Your planned giving partner will bring the financial and legal expertise your organization needs.
“ ”
Inadditiontothesatisfactionofameaningfulgift,plannedgiftsmayofferimmediateandlong-term
benefits. This chart provides a basic overview of four popular options.
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dON’T WANT TO TALk ABOUT deATH? dON’T
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Planned giving mistakenly gets a reputation as a taboo subject. You don’t have to talk about
death, dying or diverting assets from family heirs. A legacy society allows you to focus the
conversation on the present — while still talking about the future. Legacy society members
should be thought of as active donors. By using the language and tips provided in this Toolkit,
you can feel confident in your ability to treat the matter with respect and dignity.
Here are four proven frames for starting a conversation about planned giving. Insert your cause
orissueintotheseforward-thinkingapproaches:
1. Sustainability
“The needs of this community (hunger, homelessness, etc.) are ongoing. A legacy gift
ensuresthatourorganizationwillbearoundyearsfromnowtofulfillthoseneeds.”
2. Next Generation
“Legacygiftsensurethewell-beingoffuturegenerationsandserveasaninspiration
to others to do the same.”
3. Heritage
“You understand the importance of preserving our rich heritage and cultural identity.
Legacy gifts provide donors a meaningful way to ensure this lasts decades into the future.”
4. Personal Legacy
“Becoming a member of our legacy society ensures that the issues you care about and
the values you cherish will be long remembered.”
Plannedgivingconversationsdon’thavetobeone-on-onewithdonors.Theelementsof
this Toolkit will help you start a dialogue at a higher level — introducing the idea of planned
giving and reinforcing it in a variety of places: through mail and email, on your website, in
customizablematerials,annualreportsandatevents.
Individual donor Continuum
ONe-TIMe dONATION
ANNUAL SUPPORT
MAJOR GIFT
LeGACY GIFT
STeWARdSHIP
Ok, NOW WHAT?
After reviewing this Toolkit, you should be ready and eager to start a legacy society. Start
integratingplannedgivingintoyourdevelopmentprogramtodaybyusingthecustomizable
tools and language at the back of this folder.
engage Your Board Members
UsethisToolkitasastartingpoint.
Customize the “You Can Create Your Own Legacy!” Brochure
Add your logo in the spot designated “Your logo here.”
Personalize and Use the enclosed Letters
Send electronic and/or hard copies by mail.
Identify a Potential Partner From the “Planned Giving Resources” List
Visit their website and program their contact information into your cell phone.
So hurry — your share of $5 billion is waiting!
I don’t know how to talk about death…Start the conversation on a positive note by talking about encouraging sustainability, conserving cultural heritage and creating personal legacies.
“ ”
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STILL Need CONvINCING?
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Getting Out By Going In is ready to grow from a small, grassroots, volunteer-driven effort to an organization that can meet the growing needs of our community. By starting a planned giving program, we begin to broaden the support we receive and make critical strategic decisions for our long term services to the community. —COACH MARA LeIGH TAYLOR, FOUNdeR, GeTTING OUT BY GOING IN (GOGI)
“”
The Library Foundation of Los Angeles was the recipient of a very generous estate gift that endowed the Adult Literacy Program. Planned gifts help ensure that the programs of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles will be there for future generations.— ReBeCCA SHeHee, vICe PReSIdeNT FOR AdvANCeMeNT ANd eXTeRNAL AFFAIRS, LIBRARY FOUNdATION OF LOS ANGeLeS
“
”
Asayoungerorganizationthat’sstillgrowingour base of individual donors, planned giving will be a critical component moving forward. The importance ofthisasafuturerevenuestreamforourlong-term sustainability cannot be understated.
— CeLIA C. AYALA, PH.d., CHIeF eXeCUTIve OFFICeR, LOS ANGeLeS UNIveRSAL PReSCHOOL (LAUP)
“
”
Starting a planned giving program doesn’t cost a thing, and it takes a lot less time than you think. By starting now, we’ve made a long-term investment in our future.
— GReGORY PIeRRe COX, vICe PReSIdeNT FOR deveLOPMeNT, SOUTHeRN CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RAdIO
“”
As our community is aging, we feel a sense of urgency to help individuals become aware of gift planning tools and resources available which will enable them to benefit their own families and support the community at the same time.— SHAWN MIYAke, PReSIdeNT & CeO, keIRO SeNIOR HeALTHCARe
“
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Aviva is ready to add planned giving options to our current fundraising efforts. By using CCF’s helpful tools and resources, we don’t have to become overnight experts at planned giving just to get started.’— ReGINA BeTTe, PReSIdeNT & CeO, AvIvA FAMILY ANd CHILdReN’S SeRvICeS
“
”
Planned GivinG ResouRces
if You Want a communitY foundation PaRtneRHere is just a sampling of local community foundations and other organizations that may be able to
provide support to local nonprofits and donors looking to fulfill a bequest or other planned gift.
• CaliforniaCommunityFoundation(www.calfund.org)
• CommunityFoundationoftheVerdugos (www.cfverdugos.org)
• DesertCommunityFoundation (www.desertfoundation.org)
• JewishCommunityFoundationofLosAngeles (www.jewishfoundationla.org)
• LibertyHillFoundation (www.libertyhill.org)
• LongBeachCommunityFoundation (www.longbeachcf.org)
• OrangeCountyCommunityFoundation (www.oc-cf.org)
• PasadenaCommunityFoundation (www.pasadenacf.org)
• SanDiegoFoundation (www.sdfoundation.org)
• SanGabrielCommunityFoundation (www.sangabrielcf.org)
• SierraMadreCommunityFoundation(www.sierramadrefoundation.org)
• TheCommunityFoundationServingRiversideandSanBernardinoCounties (www.thecommunityfoundation.net)
• VenturaCountyCommunityFoundation (www.vccf.org)
You don’t have to be an expert at planned giving, you just need to know one. there are resources for
both your organization and your donor that offer experience in setting up different types of planned
gifts. and these resources need not cost money. some community foundations have established turn-key
programs that cost nothing up front. only a small fee is taken at the time that the asset is distributed
to your organization. likewise, there are many lawyers who will do this work pro bono for nonprofit
organizations.
IFYOuReALLYWAnTTOLeARnTHeBASICSacross l.a., there are classes and workshops that address planned giving offered by universities such as
ucla extension and management support organizations including the center for nonprofit management.
in addition, many of these organizations provide referrals for pro bono, low-cost and market rate planned
giving consultants and lawyers who can handle a planned gift. learn more about these resources at
calfund.org/nonprofit-resources.
(over)
if You Want an exPeRtconsider joining the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning of Greater los angeles (PPP-la),
a professional membership organization that provides ongoing training and educational opportunities
for those in the planned giving field. visit pppla.org for more information. members of PPP-la who
are available for consulting include:
• AvivaShiffBoedecker (www.asbcharitableplanning.com)
• BrakelyBriscoeInc.(www.brakeleybriscoe.com)
• FerrariPhilanthropicConsultants(www.ferrariphil.com)
• VincentJ.Fraumeni(www.fraumeni.com)
• FulcrumPhilanthropySystems(www.fulcrumps.com)
• VirginiaIkkanda-Suddith(www.vis-consulting.com)
• JCRPhilanthropicAdvisors(www.juanros.com)
• Legacyeducation&TrainingServices(www.iconwlp.com)
• netzelAssociates,Inc.(www.netzelgrigsby.com)
• ParagonCharitableServicesGroup,Inc.(www.paragoncsg.com)
© 2012 Published as a community service by the california community foundation
Planned giving is a win-win approach to philanthropic donations that supports your favorite nonprofit
organization and can benefit you now or in the future. Have you ever made a vehicle donation to
benefit your favorite charity? If you have, you know that transferring assets is easy and it can provide
tax benefits as well. Simply put, “planned giving” is the transfer of assets to a designated nonprofit
organization during a lifetime or as part of an estate plan. This forward-thinking approach to giving
is “planned” because often these assets are not liquid, have tax consequences and are generally
transferred via a will or other written means.
It’s easy.
Planned giving is easy to do and you don’t have to be wealthy to do it. Whether it is naming
your favorite charity in your will or trust for a modest amount, or a gift of house and property,
there is an easy option that is right for you.
It can involve assets you might never think of.
A life insurance policy. Real estate. Stocks. Business holdings. A checking or savings account.
These are all assets that can be leveraged in planned gifts.
It can generate an income stream.
In return for the donation of real estate, stocks or other assets, donors can receive a series of
regular payments.
Making a difference is important to you. Charitable giving is an
important part of your life and your core values. Like many people,
you’d like to know that the causes and organizations you
care about today will continue to thrive in the future.
The good news is you don’t have to be Andrew Carnegie or Bill Gates
to start a meaningful philanthropic legacy. In addition to supporting
the work of your favorite organizations through cash donations,
consider making a planned gift.
You can create Your oWn legacY!
Your logo here
What Is planned gIvIng?
(over)
gIfts at a glance
donor profile
Donors of any age or income level
Donors of any age, most often middle-aged
Good for complex or appreciated assets
Older donors who own their own homes
how It Works
Gift of any amount through a will, trust, life insurance policy or IRA
A gift of cash in return for variable payments (% of gift)
Upon passing, remainder is distributed to the charity
A gift of primary residence, vacation home or other property
Benefits to donors
Estate tax benefits
Annual income that can adjust over time; act as hedge against inflation
May avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated assets
Income tax charitable deduction in year of gift
Donor can continue to live in or use property
Income tax charitable deduction in year of gift
suggested gift type
Bequest
Charitable Remainder Trust
Retained Life Estate
Older donors who want to help a charity, have liquid assets (such as stocks, CDs, savings accounts)
Middle-age donors who want to provide income for their parents or others
A gift of cash or stock in return for fixed payments to the donor for life
Upon passing, remainder is distributed to the charity
Security of a fixed income for life
Knowledge it is guaranteed by organization
Income tax charitable deduction in year of gift
Charitable Gift Annuity
© 2012 Published as a community service by the California Community Foundation
Anyone considering a planned gift should consult a tax and/or legal advisors to determine the consequences of making a gift.
It can provide generous tax benefits.
Depending upon the type of gift, short-term and/or long-term tax benefits may apply. Donors at a variety
of income levels can benefit. Be sure to consult with your financial or estate planner for more specifics.
It can work in tandem with other family priorities.
Planned giving is not an “all or nothing” option. Gifts can exist side-by-side with other beneficiaries
and personal priorities.
It is long remembered.
Designating a planned gift automatically makes you a member of the organization’s legacy society.
Legacy society members often receive immediate recognition on an organization’s website,
in publications and receive invitations to special events.
In addition to the satisfaction of making a meaningful gift, most planned gifts have immediate and/or
long-term tax benefits. The chart below can help you find the type of gift that is right for you. Consult
with your financial advisor or estate planner and join the legacy society of your favorite nonprofit
organization today.
SAMPLE LEGACY SOCIETY INVITE LETTER – ALL AUDIENCES (To be imprinted on NPO’s letterhead) (DATE) Mr./Mrs. (INSERT NAME) (ADDRESS) (CITY/STATE/ZIP) Dear (INSERT NAME): Because of your belief in our commitment to (INSERT SHORT MISSION HERE), I want to personally invite you to become a member of (INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME)’s Legacy Society, (INSERT SOCIETY NAME IF THERE IS ONE). The society is composed of generous and forward-thinking donors who will support our long-term success through a planned gift. It’s easy to do. And you don’t have to be a billionaire to do it. While cash contributions are always appreciated, there are other creative and flexible giving options that can benefit you and (INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME). Consider, for example, donating real estate, stocks, or other assets in return for a series of regular payments. Many planned giving options offer generous tax benefits as well. Whether it is naming (INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME) as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or gifting other liquid or non-liquid assets, we encourage you to consult with your financial advisor to discuss the options. The enclosed materials provide an overview of planned giving options. More information is also available on our website, (INSERT LINK). No matter what you choose to give, you will be honored through:
• (EXAMPLE BENEFIT #1: Recognition on our website) • (EXAMPLE BENEFIT #2: Tributes in publications such as X, Y & Z) • (EXAMPLE BENEFIT #3: Invitation to an annual (INSERT SOCIETY NAME)
luncheon) You need not be wealthy to leave a legacy. Ensure the sustainability of our organization in a way that makes your core values known to others. Generations to come will benefit from your gift. Your support of our mission will be long remembered and serve as an inspiration to others. Warm regards, (NAME) (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)
SAMPLE LEGACY SOCIETY CHARTER MEMBER LETTER (To be imprinted on NPO’s letterhead) (DATE) Mr./Mrs. (INSERT NAME) (ADDRESS) (CITY/STATE/ZIP) Dear (INSERT NAME): I want to personally thank you for your ongoing support of (INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME). Your generous promise of a planned gift helps ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission to (INSERT SHORT MISSION). As a forward-thinking donor, you will now become a founding member of our new legacy society, (INSERT SOCIETY NAME IF THERE IS ONE). Throughout the year we will honor you and the other members of the legacy society through (CUSTOMIZE FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION):
• (EXAMPLE BENEFIT #1: Recognition on our website) • (EXAMPLE BENEFIT #2: Tributes in publications such as X, Y & Z) • (EXAMPLE BENEFIT #3: Invitation to an annual (INSERT SOCIETY NAME)
luncheon) Thank you again for your support of our mission now and in the future. Your generosity and philanthropic legacy will long be remembered. Warm regards, (NAME) (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)
SAMPLE LETTER FOR CURRENT DONORS (NON-PLANNED GIFTS) (To be imprinted on NPO’s letterhead) (DATE) Mr./Mrs. (INSERT NAME) (ADDRESS) (CITY/STATE/ZIP) Dear (INSERT NAME): Thank you for your ongoing support of (INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME). Your donations advance our commitment to (INSERT SHORT MISSION HERE). I want to personally invite you to become a member of (INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME)’s exciting new legacy society, (INSERT SOCIETY NAME IF THERE IS ONE). The society is composed of generous and forward-thinking donors who will support our long-term success through a planned gift. It’s easy to do. And you don’t have to be a billionaire to do it. While cash contributions are always appreciated, there are other creative and flexible giving options that can benefit you and (INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME). Consider, for example, donating real estate, stocks, or other assets in return for a series of regular payments. Many planned giving options offer generous tax benefits as well. Whether it is naming (INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME) as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or gifting other liquid or non-liquid assets, we encourage you to consult with your financial advisor to discuss the options. The enclosed materials provide an overview of planned giving options. More information is also available on our website, (INSERT LINK). No matter what you choose to give, you will be honored through:
• (EXAMPLE BENEFIT #1: Recognition on our website) • (EXAMPLE BENEFIT #2: Tributes in publications such as X, Y & Z) • (EXAMPLE BENEFIT #3: Invitation to an annual (INSERT SOCIETY NAME)
luncheon) You need not be wealthy to leave a legacy that makes your core values known to others. Support our long-term success. Warm regards, (NAME) (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)
SAMPLE PLANNED GIFT CONFIRMATION LETTER (THANK YOU) (To be imprinted on NPO’s letterhead) (DATE) Mr./Mrs. (INSERT NAME) (ADDRESS) (CITY/STATE/ZIP) Dear (INSERT NAME): I want to personally thank you for your ongoing support of (INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME). Your generous promise of a planned gift helps ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission to (INSERT SHORT MISSION). I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome you as a member of our new legacy society, (INSERT SOCIETY NAME IF THERE IS ONE). The legacy society is composed of forward-thinking donors like you who have opted to make their core values known to future generations through one of the many different types of planned gifts. To show our ongoing appreciation, we will honor you and the other members of the legacy society throughout the year with (CUSTOMIZE FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION):
• (EXAMPLE BENEFIT #1: Recognition on our website) • (EXAMPLE BENEFIT #2: Tributes in publications such as X, Y & Z) • (EXAMPLE BENEFIT #3: Invitation to an annual (INSERT SOCIETY NAME)
luncheon) Thank you again for your support of our mission now and in the future. Your generosity and philanthropic legacy will long be remembered. Warm regards, (NAME) (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)
SAMPLE LANGUAGE TEMPLATE (To be used on NPO’s website or other publications) You do not need to be wealthy to leave a legacy. Make your core values known by joining the (INSERT ORGANIZATION (ORG) NAME HERE) and making a planned gift to (INSERT ORG NAME). Members of our legacy society are generous and forward-thinking donors who will support our long-term success and be long remembered.
In addition to supporting our work through your generous cash donations, here are other ways you can contribute to the sustainability of (INSERT ORG MISSION) in the long term. Many of these options are a win-win for the donor and the organization. We encourage you to consult with your financial advisor to discuss the tax implications of these options.
• Bequests
One of the easiest ways to help involves simply naming (INSERT ORG NAME) as a beneficiary in your will and living trust. A bequest may be for a particular dollar amount or percentage of your estate. Estate tax savings may be significant.
• Life Insurance Policy and Retirement Assets
Often overlooked by donors, naming (INSERT ORG NAME) as a partial beneficiary of these assets can provide support for the organization.
• Life Income Gifts
Life income gifts allow you to leave a gift in the care of (INSERT ORG NAME), while earning income for yourself during your lifetime. The two most popular life income gifts are charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities.
• Complex Gifts
If you are a business owner, own real property or have any other type of complex asset, giving options exist that can both help (INSERT ORG NAME) and benefit your family financially.
Legacy society members become a special part of the (INSERT ORG NAME) donor family. They are also honored with (CUSTOMIZE FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION):
• Recognition on our website
• Tributes in publications such as (XYZ)
• An annual (INSERT SOCIETY NAME) luncheon
Contact XXXXXXXX to discuss membership in the (INSERT NAME OF Legacy Society). Telephone # and Email.
Tel: 213.413.4130
221 S. Figueroa St., Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90012
calfund.org PGKIT0312 © 2012
About the California Community Foundation
CaliforniaCommunityFoundation(CCF)isapublic,charitableorganization
serving Los Angeles County in multiple capacities since 1915. It encourages
philanthropybyindividuals,families,companiesandorganizationsandserves
as a steward of their charitable funds and legacies. It makes grants to and
builds the capacity of nonprofits in the arts, education, health care, housing
and neighborhoods, human development and civic engagement. It actively
engages in community problem solving with local, regional and national
partners in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Visit calfund.org for
more information.